The Virtue of Sabr in Ramadan

It is said that patience is a virtue, but, if we were to look at it from the Islamic perspective, we would realize that patience indeed grants us benefits that are unfathomable.

Allah says in the Qur’an,

There are several degrees of Sabr, such as when going through hardship, or having to deal with people you do not particularly like, or simply being hungry and agitated. This brings us to our next point about Sabr in Ramadan. It is one of the main aspects of this Holy month and it is about dealing with everything with patience, may it be not getting angry at situations like traffic or delay of tasks by others, or generally being polite and kind to people around you, no matter how hungry or stressed you are.

Another element that needs to be considered is the treatment of subordinates. It’s easier to treat those you are accountable to with respect, simply because you have to, but if you were to apply the same rule to those who are subordinate to you, THAT is the key to attaining true patience. It is in fact more vital, that you are kind to your staff, and do not use your annoyance on other things against them.

It may seem difficult to control your anger or your tongue in certain situations, and you may think that you will feel better once you let it out, but the fact of the matter is you won’t and the feeling and reward you get is far greater and worth it.

Verses about patience in the Quran:
In Surah Al Baqarah, Allah states:

“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,”

He says in Al Imran,

“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allaah surrounds all that they do”

Allah also states,

“Verily, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful” [al-Mu’minoon 23:111]